Drink plenty of water. (Six to eight glasses a day!)
Ask a parent to help you choose an over-the-counter acne soap or medication.
See your doctor for advice.
Underarm Odour
Bathe regularly.
Change your clothes regularly.
Ask your doctor or parent to help you choose an antiperspirant deodorant.
Growing Pains in the Breasts
Some girls find it more comfortable to wear a bra, as their breasts get bigger.
Ask a parent to help you choose a bra that is right for you.
Period
Be prepared with a pad or tampon wherever you think you will need one. Keep one in your backpack or purse if you think you may get your period while at school.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS
Do some gentle exercise like walking or stretching which helps to relieve muscle cramps.
Drink plenty of water. (Six to eight glasses a day!)
Avoid salty foods (i.e., potato chips) and foods with caffeine (i.e., coffee or chocolate) before you get your period.
Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to help relieve muscle aches.
Take a warm bath.
Ask your parent for advice on taking a pain-reliever.
Erections
Sometimes erections can be unpredictable during puberty.
Erections may or may not be connected to sexual thoughts. Remember, your body is getting used to all the new hormones in your body. This is all normal.
You may think everyone can notice, but it’s more likely that they cannot.
Erections can go away pretty quickly on their own.
Most of your peers are experiencing the same thing.
Talking about your feelings to a friend, older sibling or parent may make you feel better.
Wet Dreams
Wet dreams are normal during puberty and even during adulthood.
If it makes you feel better, you can tell your parents that you prefer to change and wash your own bed sheets.
Most of your peers are experiencing the same thing.
Talking about your feelings to a friend, older sibling, or parent may make you feel better.
Increased Attention to Physical Appearance
Part of looking good is being healthy and clean and feeling strong.
Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, bathe and wash your hair regularly.
Ask your parent to help you buy some fashionable clothing that you will feel comfortable wearing.
Interest in Romantic Love
Romantic interest in the opposite or same sex is normal. These feelings are new for young adults going through puberty and can sometimes feel exciting, but also confusing. This is all normal.
Most of your peers are experiencing the same thing.
Talking about your feelings to a friend, older sibling, or parent may make you feel better.
Increased Need for Independence
Parents or teachers may be nervous about your new independent role because they care about you and want to protect you.
You can gain their trust by taking small steps towards independence.
Demonstrating responsibility and honesty will help to establish trust, and your parents will be more likely to let you have more independence.
Having sex, using drugs and/or smoking DO NOT mean you are independent or make you an adult.
Masturbation
It is normal to masturbate; it’s also normal not to masturbate.
Masturbation should be done in a private place.
Unpredictable Changes in Mood
Unpredictable changes in moods are normal during puberty.
Talking about your feelings to a friend, older sibling, or parent may make you feel better.
Find some ways that help you relax such as listening to music, spending some time alone, exercising, drawing, etc.
Desire to be Accepted and Liked by Your Peer Group
Self-respect and self-esteem come from being true to your values and beliefs.
Be clear about what values are important to you.
Use assertive communication to tell your peers what you are willing and not willing not to do.
Ask your parents for support.
Inspired by the work of: ReCAPP - ETR Associates’ Resource Center. (2002). Background Information For The Facilitator. www.etr.org.
